ALABAMA LAWS AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING OPERATION AND REGISTRATION OF VESSELS PUBLISHED BY THE ALABAMA MARINE POLICE DIVISION ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 2009
EDITOR S NOTE At the time of editing and compiling this booklet, it contained all the laws and regulations relating to boating safety; however, after the printing of this booklet, there will no doubt be additional regulations promulgated by the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources. For this reason the reader should contact the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or his local Marine Police Officer for any additional regulations promulgated after the printing of this booklet. Act number 987 of the 1971 Regular Session, Alabama Legislature renamed the Department of Conservation as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Director and Assistant Director of said Department were renamed Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner. Said act also designates the head of the Marine Police Division as Director. INQUIRIES REGARDING BOATING SAFETY LAWS AND REGULATIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO: Marine Police Division Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Folsom Administrative Building Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1451 (334) 242-3673 I
ARTICLE 9 CODE OF ALABAMA TITLE 32 SERIOUS TRAFFIC OFFENSES Sec. 32-5A-191.3 32-5A-192. Operation of vessel and other marine devices while under influence of alcohol or controlled substances. Homicide by vehicle or vessel. REGISTRATION AND OPERATION OF VESSELS CHAPTER 5. CODE OF ALABAMA 1975 TITLE 33 REGISTRATION AND OPERATION OF VESSELS ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. Sec. 33-5-1. Declaration of policy. 33-5-2. Applicability of article. 33-5-3. Definitions. 33-5-4. Division of Marine Police-Generally. 33-5-5. Division of Marine Police - Marine Police Officers, etc., to have powers of peace officers. 33-5-6. Enforcement of article. 33-5-7. Records kept pursuant to article. 33-5-8. Commissioner to supply information to federal agencies. II
33-5-9. Vessels to be registered and numbered. 33-5-10. Certificates of registration and numbers generally--by whom issued; issuance; fees; use of funds received under article. 33-5-11. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Application for and issuance of certificate and number; contents of certificate; number to be displayed on vessel; size and availability of certificate for inspection. 33-5-12. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Numbering system. 33-5-13. Certificates of registration and numbers generally- Term of certificates and licenses. 33-5-14. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Manufacturers and dealers vessels. 33-5-15. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Foreign vessels; change of ownership. 33-5-16. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Transfer of interest or destruction or abandonment of vessel; change of address; duplicate registration certificates. 33-5-17. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Classification of vessels and registration fees. 33-5-18. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Only authorized number to be used. 33-5-19. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Exemption from numbering provisions of article. 33-5-20. Special agents to sell boat license. 33-5-21. Safety provisions relative to boat liveries. 33-5-22. Safety equipment and lights; flags; capacity plate; flame arrester, etc., for carburetor. 33-5-22.1 Sailboard Defined; hull deemed flotation device. 33-5-23. Muffling devices and sirens. 33-5-24. Repealed. III
33-5-25. Collisions, accidents and casualties. 33-5-26. Water skis and aquaplanes. 33-5-27. Regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments, and exhibitions. 33-5-28. Rules and regulations - Power of Commissioner to promulgate. 33-5-29. Rules and regulations - Filing and publication. 33-5-30. Rules and regulations - Admissibility as evidence. 33-5-31. Local regulation. 33-5-32. Jurisdiction of offenses; disposition of fines. 33-5-33. Fees in certain prosecutions. 33-5-34. Fees of arresting officer. 33-5-35. Penalty for violations of article generally. 33-5-36. Warning citations. ARTICLE 2 BOATING SAFETY REFORM Sec. 33-5-50. Short title. 33-5-51. Operation of personal watercraft. 33-5-52. Boater safety certification generally. 33-5-53. Boater safety certification; application fee; examinations; exemptions. 33-5-54. Issuance of boater safety certification. 33-5-55. Reports; disposition of funds. 33-5-56. Certification to bear distinguishing number, color photograph, signature, and other identification information; notification on motor vehicle driver or learner license. IV
33-5-57. Persons to whom boater safety certification shall not be issued. 33-5-58. Persons with physical disabilities or impairments; hearings. 33-5-59. Display of certification required. 33-5-60. Reciprocal agreements with other states. 33-5-61. Restrictions for persons impaired from physical disabilities; special restricted certification; penalty for violation of restrictions. 33-5-62. Rules and regulations; point system for suspension or revocation of certifications. 33-5-63. Filing and indexing applications; filing accident reports and records of convictions. 33-5-64. Duplicates for lost or destroyed certifications; fees. 33-5-65. Reinstatement of certification following cancellation, suspension, or revocation. 33-5-66. Violations; penalties. 33-5-67. Operation while certification is cancelled, suspended, or revoked prohibited; penalties. 33-5-68. Application fee; retention by Department of Public Safety. 33-5-69. Flotation device; exceptions. 33-5-70. Reckless operation of vehicle; careless operation, violation of rules and regulations of Marine Police; penalties. 33-5-71. Obstruction of operator s view prohibited; penalties. 33-5-72. Emergency engine or motor shut-off switch. 33-5-73. Operation of vessel in excess of speed zone prohibited. 33-5-74. Markers, signs, and buoys; mooring or fastening vessel prohibited; damaging, altering, or moving prohibited; penalties. 33-5-75. Authority of Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources to cancel certification or to suspend or revoke privilege of operating vessel; procedures. V
33-5-76. Authority to arrest at scene of boating accident. 33-5-77. Violation of federal laws or rules regulating engine horsepower; penalties; effective date. 33-5-78. Vessel defined. 33-5-79. Rules and regulations. 33-5-80. Exemption for law enforcement officers while performing their duties. 33-5-81. Boating safety as part of driver education curricula. CHAPTER 6A. RECREATIONAL VESSEL AND RESIDENCE BOAT SEWAGE DISCHARGES REGULATED. 33-6A-1. 33-6A-2. 33-6A-3. 33-6A-3.1 33-6A-4. 33-6A-5. 33-6A-6. 33-6A-7. 33-6A-8. 33-6A-9. Definitions. Rules and regulations. Prohibited activities. Use on specified lakes of houseboats, vessels of large size, and vessels with certain speed ratings Compliance with federal laws, etc. Pump-out stations at marinas. Annual inspection of vessels; decal; citations; fees. Public education program. Violations. Disposition of fines. VI
32-5A-191.3. Operation of vessel and other marine devices while under influence of alcohol or controlled substances. (a) A person shall not operate or be in actual physical control of any vessel, or manipulate any water skis, aquaplane, or any other marine transportation device on the waters of this state, as the waters are defined in Section 33-5-3, under any condition in which a person would be guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs pursuant to Section 32-5A-191 if the person was driving or controlling a motor vehicle. (b) In the case of a vessel or other marine device described in subsection (a), where a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the operator of the vessel or other marine device is operating in violation of this section, the law enforcement officer is authorized to administer and may test the operator, at the scene, by using field breathalyzer or other approved device, as a screening device, to determine if the operator may be operating a vessel or device in violation of subsection (a). Refusal to submit to a field breathalyzer test or other approved testing device shall result in the same punishment as provided in subsection (c) of Section 32-5-192 for operators of motor vehicles on the state highways. (c) The fact that any person charged with violating this section is or has been legally entitled to use alcohol or a controlled substance shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this section. (d) Upon first or subsequent conviction, a person violating this section shall be punished in the same manner and under the same conditions as a person convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs pursuant to Section 32-5A-191 or any successor section or sections providing for the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, except that in any case where reference is made to the Director of Public Safety and the driving privilege or driver s license of the person, the reference shall be deemed to refer to the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources and the vessel operating privilege or boater safety certification of the person convicted under this section. (e) Neither reckless or careless operation of a vessel, nor any other boating or water safety infraction, is a lesser included offense under a charge of operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. (f) All fines collected for violation of this section as to vessels or other marine devices on the waters of this state shall be paid into the State Water Safety Fund. (g) A person who has been arrested for violating this section shall not be released from jail under bond or otherwise, until there is less than the same percent by weight of alcohol in the person s blood as specified in subdivision (1) of subsection (a). (h) Upon verification that a defendant arrested pursuant to this section is currently on probation from another court of this state as a result of a conviction for any criminal offense, the prosecutor shall provide written or oral notification of the defendant s subsequent arrest and pending prosecution to the court in which the prior conviction occurred. (i) When any person over the age of 21 years is convicted pursuant to this 1
section and a child under the age of 14 years was present on the vessel or other marine device described in subsection (a) at the time of the offense, the defendant shall be sentenced to double the minimum punishment that the person would have received if the child had not been present. (j) Vessel, for the purposes of this section, shall mean any vessel as defined in Section 33-5-3, operated on the waters of this state, as defined in Section 33-5-3. (k) No provision of this section shall be construed to assess points for DUI convictions under motor vehicle convictions for driving under the influence. (Acts 1994, No. 94-652, p. 1243 2; Act 2001-695, p. 1477, 2.) 32-5A-192. Homicide by vehicle or vessel. (a) Whoever shall unlawfully and unintentionally cause the death of another person while engaged in the violation of any state law or municipal ordinance applying to the operation or use of a vehicle, or vessel, as defined in Section 33-5-3, or to the regulation of traffic or boating, shall be guilty of homicide when the violation is the proximate cause of the death. (b) Any person convicted of homicide by vehicle or vessel shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000), or shall be imprisoned for a term not less than one year nor more than five years, or may be so fined and so imprisoned. All fines collected for violation of this section relating to vessels shall be paid into the State Water Safety Fund. (Acts 1980, No. 80-434, p. 604, 9-107; Acts 1983, No. 83-620, p. 959, 1; Acts 1994, No. 94-652, p. 1243, 3.) ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. 33-5-1. Declaration of policy. It is the policy of this state to promote safety for persons and property in and connected with the use, operation and equipment of vessels used on the waters of this state and to promote uniformity of laws relating thereto. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 1.) 33-5-2. Applicability of article. The provisions of this article shall be applicable to all vessels as herein defined, navigating the waters within the jurisdiction of this state, except where inconsistent with any laws or regulations of the United States, in which case such laws or regulations shall prevail. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 2.) 2
33-5-3. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning: (1) VESSEL. Every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane, capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water, but such term shall not include vessels 12 feet in length or less when used solely on farm ponds of less than 50 acres in size. (2) WATERS OF THIS STATE. Any waters within the territorial limits of this state and the marginal sea adjacent to this state and the high seas when navigated as a part of a journey or ride to and from the shore of this state; provided, however, that waters of this state shall not be interpreted to mean any private pond which is not used for boat rentals or the charging of fees for fishing therein. (3) OWNER. A person, other than a lienholder, having the property in or title to a vessel. The term includes a person entitled to the use or possession of a vessel subject to an interest in another person, reserved or created by agreement and securing payment or performance of an obligation, but the term excludes a lessee under a lease not intended as security. (4) PERSON. An individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association or other entity. (5) OPERATE. To navigate or otherwise use a vessel. (6) COMMISSIONER. The Commissioner of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (7) STATE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES OR DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES. That department created by the laws of this state having supervision over game, fish, forestry, parks, seafoods and such lands of the state and such supervision over public waters of this state as now are constituted by law or any subsequent amendment thereto. (8) CERTIFICATE. Registration by a vessel owner with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, including the issuance of an identifying number awarded each vessel and the issuance of a pocketsize certificate of registration. (9) LENGTH. Such term means measured from end to end over the deck excluding sheer. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 3; Acts 1961, No. 878, p. 1377, 1; Acts 1969, No. 1058, p. 1978, 1.) 3
33-5-4. Division of Marine Police - Generally. (a) It is hereby expressly made the duty of the commissioner to set up a division within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to be known as the Division of Marine Police with sufficient personnel to perform the necessary clerical and routine work for the department in issuing, handling and recording vessel registration identifying numbers, including the receiving and accounting of all registration fees and payments of same into the State Treasury, receiving and recording accident reports and making such reports of such accidents to such federal agency as may be required by federal law and such other incidental clerical work connected with the administration of this chapter. (b) The law-enforcement officers of the Division of Marine Police of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall be known as marine police officers. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 4; Acts 1971, No. 905, p. 1669, 1.) 33-5-5. Division of Marine Police - Marine police officers, etc., to have powers of peace officers. In addition to all other power heretofore granted by law, marine police officers and all other Department of Conservation and Natural Resources enforcement officers shall have the power of peace officers in this state and may exercise such powers anywhere within the state. (Acts 1971, No. 905, p. 1669, 2.) 33-5-6. Enforcement of article. This article shall be enforced by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Marine Police, by all law-enforcement officers of the state and by such other agents and employees of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as may be designated and required by the commissioner. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 5.) 33-5-7. Records kept pursuant to article. All records of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, probate judge or license commissioner made or kept pursuant to this article shall be public records, except confidential reports and except accident reports as set out in this article. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 12.) 33-5-8. Commissioner to supply information to federal agencies. The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources shall supply to any authorized official or agency of the United States, upon such agency s or 4
official s request and in accordance with any federal law or regulation relative thereto, necessary information pertaining to statistics and reports compiled under the provisions of this article. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 23.) 33-5-9. Vessels to be registered and numbered. Every vessel on the waters of this state shall be registered and numbered. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of any vessel on such waters unless the vessel is registered and numbered with the identifying number set forth in the certificate of registration displayed on each side of the bow of such vessel, or in accordance with applicable federal law or in accordance with a federally approved numbering system of another state, and unless the certificate of number awarded to such vessel is in full force and effect. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 7.) 33-5-10. Certificates of registration and numbers generally-by whom issued; issuance; fees; disposition of funds (a) The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will issue annual certificates of registration directly and shall authorize all probate judges in the state or any other official in the state who is presently authorized to issue automobile license plates to issue annual certificates of registration and numbers in connection therewith. In conformity with this article and any rules and regulations which may be validly issued by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall assign to each issuing officer in said county a block of numbers and certificates therefor which upon issue the issuing officer shall be allowed a fee of two dollars ($2.00) for each certificate issued by him. In counties where the probate judge or issuing officer is on the fee system, the issuing fee shall be retained by the probate judge, and, in counties where the issuing officer or probate judge is on a salary basis, the fee shall be paid to the county treasury. The issuance fee provided for herein shall be in addition to the amount of the boat registration fee. (b) All registration money, except the two dollar ($2.00) fee allowed as aforesaid, shall be remitted monthly to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources not later than 10 days after the first of each month. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall transmit all money received by it to the State Treasurer, there to be deposited in a fund to be known as the State Water Safety Fund. (c) All moneys received out of the sale of licenses under the provisions of this chapter may be used by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for all purposes reasonably necessary in the cost of administration of this article, including the printing of certificates of registration, postage and transportation charges, clerical, personnel, equipment purchases, 5
salaries and other expenses for each year; except, that no funds collected under the provisions of this article may be used to supplement or pay the salaries of any enforcement officers other than those hired specifically for the purposes of administering the provisions of this article. The Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall expend such moneys as may be appropriated to said Marine Police Division, in such manner as the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources may deem necessary and appropriate; provided, however, that such appropriations may be expended only for the purposes designated by the Legislature and in the amounts provided therefor in the general appropriation bill and shall be budgeted and allotted in accordance with the provisions of Article 4 of Chapter 4 of Title 41. It is the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources utilize existing personnel and equipment of that department and of the sheriffs of this state to the maximum possible extent in enforcing and administering this article, to the end that there be no costly duplication of services. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 6; Acts 1961, No. 878, p. 1377, 2; Acts 1969, No. 1059, p. 1979, 1; Acts 1979, No. 79-700, p. 1244, 1; Acts 1984, No. 84-446, p. 1040, 6; Act 2007-420, 1.) The 1984 amendment, effective Collateral References.--80 July 1, 1984, substituted 1.00 C.J.S., shipping, 3. for $.50 in subsections (a) and (b). 33-5-11. Certification of registration and numbers generally - Application for and issuance of certificate and number; contents of certificate; number to be displayed on vessel; size and availability of certificate for inspection. The owner of each vessel requiring numbering by this state shall file an application for a number with the probate judges offices, or license commissioner, in the county of residence of the purchaser, or the county in which the vessel is domiciled, or in the county where the vessel is purchased, or if purchased out of state, in the county of residence of the purchaser, or in the county where the vessel is domiciled on forms approved by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The application shall be filed by the owner of the vessel and shall be accompanied by a fee in accordance with Section 33-5-17. Upon receipt of the application and its approval by the authorized issuing officer, the officer shall enter the same upon the records and issue to the applicant a certificate of registration stating the number awarded to the vessel, the name and address of the owner, and a description of the vessel. The owner shall paint on or attach to each side of the bow of the vessel the annual identification number issued in such manner as may be prescribed by rules and regulations of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, that it may be clearly visible and be of such size as required by the Federal Boating Act of 1958 or any subsequent amendment thereto. The number shall be maintained in legible condition. The certificate of registration shall be pocket size and shall be available at all times for inspection on the vessel for which issued whenever the vessel is in 6
operation. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 8; Acts 1994, No. 94-622, p. 1162, 9.) 33-5-12. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Numbering system. The numbering system employed pursuant to this chapter shall be determined and promulgated by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources acting pursuant to the authority conferred on him by Section 33-5-28; provided, that in the event an agency of the United States government shall have in force an overall system of identification numbering for vessels within the United States, any numbering system employed or promulgated pursuant to this article shall conform thereto. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 11.) 33-5-13. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Term of certificates and licenses. (a) Every certificate and license as provided for in this article is to be issued on a yearly basis and said certificate and license shall be valid for one issuing year only. (b) The registration of vessels shall be on a staggered basis. To implement this act, the registration of vessels may be for periods of less than or greater than 12 months during the conversion year only. (c) The staggered system for registration of vessels shall be implemented thusly: The first letter of an individual s last name shall determine the month in which a vessel owner shall register his vessel(s), as indicated below: January.................... A, D February....................B March......................C, E April....................... F, G, N May....................... H, O June.......................M, I July....................... P, L August..................... J, K, R September.................. Q, S, T October.....................U, V, W, X, Y, Z, to include livery boats, dealers, and manufacturers 7
After the conversion period all owners of vessels shall continue to register their vessels during the month assigned to the first initial of their last name. All registrations issued on a staggered basis shall expire on the last day of the month which precedes the month assigned for the purchase or renewal of registration. All registrations issued to vessels for which registration is due in October and November shall expire on September 30. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 14442, 13; Acts 1988, No. 88-552, p. 868, 1.) 33-5-14. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Manufacturers and dealers vessels. (a) The description of the vessel of a manufacturer or dealer shall be omitted from the certificate since the number awarded may be used on different vessels at different times. In lieu of the description, the word manufacturer or dealer, as appropriate, shall be plainly marked on each certificate. (b) The manufacturer or dealer may have the number awarded printed upon or attached to a removable sign or signs to be temporarily but firmly mounted upon or attached to the vessel being demonstrated or tested so long as the display meets the requirements of this article. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 9.) 33-5-15. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Foreign vessels; change of ownership. (a) Any vessel already covered by a number in full force and effect which has been awarded to it pursuant to the operative federal law or federally approved numbering system of another state may be operated on the waters of this state for a period of 90 consecutive days without being licensed under the provisions of this chapter. Any vessel operating for more than 90 consecutive days must then be registered and licensed in the same manner as other vessels are required to be licensed under this chapter. (b) Should the ownership of a vessel change, a new application form with a fee of three dollars ($3.00) for change in registration shall be filed with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and a new certificate issued transferring the original vessel number to the new owner; provided, however, that the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources may at his discretion provide by duly promulgated regulations a system for the issuance of such changes of registration by the probate judges and license commissioners of this state, and, in the event such change of registration certificates are issued by such probate judges and license commissioners, they shall be entitled to a fee therefor of two dollars ($2.00). (c) No citizen or resident of this state may operate his vessel on the waters of this state when such vessel is under foreign registry; provided, however, that 8
any such citizen or resident who has previously registered his vessel in another state or by federal registry before coming into this state may operate same for a period of 90 consecutive days without being required to register under the provisions of this article. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 10; Acts 1965, No. 787, p. 1473, 1; Act 2007-420, 1.) 33-5-16. Certificates of registration and numbers generally - Transfer of interest or destruction or abandonment of vessel; change of address; duplicate registration certificates. (a) The owner shall furnish the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources notice of the transfer of all or any part of his interest other than the creation of a security interest in a vessel numbered in this state pursuant to this chapter or of the destruction or abandonment of such vessel within 15 days thereof. Such transfer, destruction or abandonment shall terminate the certificate for such vessel; except, that in the case of a transfer of a part interest which does not affect the owner s right to operate such vessel, such transfer shall not terminate the certificate. (b) Any holder of a certificate shall notify the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources within 15 days if his address no longer conforms to the address appearing on the certificate and shall as a part of such notification, furnish the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources with his new address. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources may provide in its rules and regulations for the surrender of the certificate bearing the former address and its replacement with a certificate bearing the new address or for the alteration of an outstanding certificate to show the new address of the holder. (c) Any person who has purchased a registration number for his vessel and subsequently loses or misplaces the registration certificate may make application to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, accompanied by a fee of three dollars ($3.00) for a duplicate registration certificate. Such applications must be made upon forms furnished by the Division of Marine Police of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (d) The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources is authorized to provide by duly promulgated regulation a system wherein the probate judges and license commissioners in this state may issue duplicate registration certificates, and, in the event such probate judges and license commissioners issue such duplicate registration certificates, they shall be entitled to a fee of two dollars ($2.00) for each duplicate certificate. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 14; Acts 1961, No. 878, p. 1377, 3; Acts 1965, No. 787, p. 1473, 2; Act 2007-420, 1) 9
33-5-17. Certificate of registration and numbers generally - Classification of vessels and registration fees. (a) Vessels subject to the provisions of this chapter shall be classified according to the following schedule and annual fees charged by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for registration shall be in the following amounts: Class 1. Less than 16 feet in length, eighteen dollars ($18.00) plus two dollar ($2.00) issuance fee. Class 2. Sixteen feet or over and less than 26 feet in length, twenty-three ($23.00) plus a two dollar ($2.00) issuance fee. Class 3. Twenty-six feet or over and less than 40 feet in length, seventythree ($73.00) plus a two dollar ($2.00) issuance fee. Class 4. Forty feet or over in length, ninety-eight dollars ($98.00) plus a two dollar ($2.00) issuance fee. The above stated fees shall also apply to livery boats. Class 5. Dealer or manufacturer; temporary license, twenty-three ($23.00) plus a two dollar ($2.00) issuance fee for each license. (b) In addition to the foregoing fees, there shall be an inspection fee of twentyfive ($25.00) for all homemade boats which require a hull identification number. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 16; Acts 1961, No. 878, p. 1377, 4; Acts 1971, No. 2081, p. 3352 1; Acts 1981, No. 81-296, p. 377 1; Acts 1984, No. 84-446, p. 1040, 6; Acts 1993, No. 93-754, p. 1508, 1; Act 2007-420, 1.) 33-5-18. Certificate of registration and numbers generally - Only authorized number to be used. No number other than the number awarded to the vessel or granted reciprocity pursuant to this chapter shall be painted, attached or otherwise displayed on either side of the bow of such vessel. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 15.) 33-5-19. Certificate of registration and numbers generally - Exemption from numbering provisions of article. A vessel shall not be required to be numbered under this chapter if it is: (1) A vessel operating under valid temporary certificate or number; (2) Already covered by a number in full force and effect which has been awarded to it pursuant to federal law or a federally approved numbering system of another state; provided, that such vessel shall not have been within this state for a period in excess of 90 consecutive days; (3) A vessel under registry from a country other than the United States temporarily using the waters of this state; 10
(4) A vessel owned by the United States, or a state, county or municipality; (5) A ship s lifeboat; or (6) A vessel not propelled by machinery, except sail boats and boats for hire. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 18.) 33-5-20. Special Agents to sell boat licenses. The sheriffs of this state may be designated as special agents to sell boat licenses as provided for herein. The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources is authorized to appoint other special agents to sell boat licenses as provided for herein; provided, however, that the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources may not appoint any special agent until said agent is bonded for not less than $5,000.00. Such agents shall receive licenses from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in the same manner as the probate judges and license commissioners and shall make such reports and be subject to such audits as the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources may specify. Special agents so appointed shall make returns to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in the same manner as probate judges and license commissioners. The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources is further authorized to cancel such special agents authority to sell licenses at any time he may so desire. Special agents shall be entitled to an issuance fee of two dollars ($2.00). Any special agent selling licenses in excess of the cost of licenses as herein specified shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100.00. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 32; Act 2007-420, 1.) 33-5-21. Safety provisions relative to boat liveries. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through its agents and employees shall have the right to inspect at any reasonable time all boats owned or controlled by a livery operator for the purpose of ascertaining their seaworthiness and safety. In the event any boat owned or used by the livery operator for rental purposes is determined to be in an unsafe or unseaworthy condition, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall immediately notify the livery operator in writing as to the unsafe or unseaworthy condition of such boat or boats and, after such notification, it shall be unlawful for the boat liveryman to rent or offer to rent any boat found to be in such condition; provided, however, that if such cited boat can be placed in a seaworthy or safe condition by repairs or alterations as so directed by the department, the same may then again be used for rental purposes but only after another inspection of the vessel to ascertain whether or not such repairs or alterations have been duly made. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 19; Acts 1961, No. 878, p. 1377, 5.) 11
Collateral references. - Liability of owner or operator of boat livery for injury to patron. 94 A.L..R.3d 876. 33-5-22. Safety equipment and lights; flags; capacity plate; flame arrester, etc., for carburetor. (a) Every vessel while being operated on the waters of this state shall be equipped with reasonable safety devices and lights as may be required under regulations promulgated by the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of a vessel which is not equipped as is required by rules and regulations duly promulgated by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (b) All such safety equipment and safety lights required by this section shall meet such standards as the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources may from time to time establish as minimum equipment, and all such safety equipment and safety lights above the minimum requirements which are required by the rules and regulations of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall conform with specific standards as may be adopted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (c) Airboats shall display a flag 10 by 14 inches on a 12 foot mast. (d) A diver s flag must be displayed on the surface of any water where skin divers are operating as may be stipulated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (e) Every vessel less than 26 feet in length designed to carry one or more persons and to be propelled by machinery as its principal source of power or designed to be propelled by oars shall, if manufactured or offered for sale in this state, have affixed permanently thereto by the manufacturer a capacity plate as required by rules and regulations duly promulgated by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This subsection shall apply to vessels manufactured after January 1, 1971. (f) Every motor boat shall have the carburetor or carburetors of every engine therein, except outboard motors using gasoline as fuel, equipped with such efficient USCG approved flame arrester, backfire trap or similar device as may be prescribed by the regulations duly promulgated by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 17; Acts 1969, No. 1057, p. 1977 1.) 12
33-5-22.1. Sailboard defined; hull deemed flotation device. (a) For the purposes of this section sailboard means any sailboat whose unsupported mast is connected by a snivel or a flexible universal joint to a hull similar to the hull of a surfboard. (b) Any law, rule or regulation to the contrary notwithstanding, the hull of a sailboard shall be deemed to be a flotation device. Any sailboarder or wind surfer is exempt from any additional type of personal flotation device. (Acts 1986, No. 86-465, p. 850, 1, 2.) 33-5-23. Muffling devices and sirens. (a) The exhaust of every internal combustion engine used on any vessel shall be effectively muffled by equipment so constructed and used as to muffle the noise of the exhaust in a reasonable manner. The use of cutouts is prohibited, except for vessels competing in a regatta or official boat race, and for such vessels while on trial runs. (b) No person shall use or have on board his vessel a siren of any type while operating on the waters of this state except as may be specifically allowed by the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources for enforcement purposes. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 20; Acts 1961, No. 878, p. 1377, 6.) Collateral references.-mufflers: public regulation requiring mufflers or similar noise- preventing devices on motor vehicles, aircraft, or boats. 49A.L.R.2d 1202. 33-5-24. Prohibited operations and penalties therefor. Repealed by Acts 1994, No. 94-652, p. 1243, 36, effective April 28, 1994. 33-5-25. Collisions, accidents and casualties. (a) It shall be the duty of the operator of a vessel involved in a collision, accident or other casualty, so far as he can do so without serious danger to his own vessel, crew and passengers (if any), to render to other persons affected by the collision, accident or other casualty such assistance as may be practicable and as may be necessary in order to save them from or minimize any danger caused by the collision, accident or other casualty, and also to give his name, address and identification of his vessel in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any property damaged in the collision, accident or other casualty. 13
(b) In the case of collision, accident or other casualty involving a vessel, the operator thereof, if the collision, accident or other casualty results in death or injury to a person or damage to property in excess of two thousand dollars ($2,000), shall within 10 days file with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources a full description of the collision, accident or other casualty, including such information as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources by regulation may require. (c) All accident reports required by this section made by persons involved in accidents shall be without prejudice to the individuals so reporting and shall be for the confidential use of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or other governmental agencies having use of the record; except, that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources may disclose the identity of a person involved in an accident when such identity is not otherwise known or when such person denies his presence at such accident. No such report shall be used as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of an accident; except, that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall furnish upon demand of any person who has, or claims to have made such a report or, upon demand of any court, a certificate showing that a specified accident report has or has not been made to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources solely to prove a compliance or a failure to comply with the requirements that such a report be made to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 22.; Acts 2009, No 2009-151) Collateral references. - Liability of owner or operator of motorboat for injury or damage. 63 A.L.R.2d 343, 71 A.L.R.3d 1018. 33-5-26. Water skis and aquaplanes. (a) No person shall operate a vessel on any waters of this state for towing a person or persons, on water skis, or an aquaplane or any other recreational device, unless there is in the vessel a person, in addition to the operator, who is at least 12 years of age and is observing and is capable of communicating to the operator of the vessel the progress and safety of the person or persons being towed, or the vessel is equipped with a wide angle mirror with a viewing surface of at least 78 square inches and a field of vision of at least 170 degrees. (b) No person shall operate a vessel on any waters of this state towing a person or persons on water skis, aquaplane or any other recreational device, nor shall any person engage in water skiing, aquaplaning, or similar activity, at any time between the hours from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. (c) Subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition or a person or persons participating in an official regatta, motorboat race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition. (d) No person except in jump buoys and like objects used normally in competitive and recreational skiing shall operate or manipulate any vessel, tow rope, 14
or other device by which the direction or location of water skis, aquaplane, or any other recreational device may be affected or controlled in a manner to cause the water skis, aquaplane, or other recreational device, or any person thereon, to collide with or strike against any object or person. (e) Subsection (a) shall not apply to personal watercraft as defined in Section 33-5-51. (f) Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction as provided in Sections 13A-5-7 and 13A-5-12. Any person so convicted shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100). (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 24; Acts 1994, No. 94-652, p. 1243, 23.) 33-5-27. Regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments and exhibitions. (a) The commissioner shall adopt and may from time to time amend regulations concerning the safety of vessels and persons thereon, either observers of or participants, in any regatta, motorboat or other boat race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition. (b) Any person or organization sponsoring a regatta, motorboat or other boat race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition shall be responsible for providing adequate protection from marine traffic interference and hazards. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 25.) 33-5-28. Rules and regulations - Power of commissioner to promulgate. The Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall make, adopt, promulgate, amend and repeal all rules and regulations necessary or convenient for the carrying out of the duties and obligations and powers conferred on the said Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources by this article. Further clarifying the rule-making power of the commissioner, he shall have power and authority to make, adopt, promulgate, amend and repeal all rules and regulations as shall promote safety for persons and property in and connected with the use, operation and equipment of vessels and for the carrying out of duties, obligations and powers conferred upon the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources by this chapter, subject to such supervision of the Advisory Board of Conservation and Natural Resources as set out in section 9-2-15. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 28.) 15
33-5-29. Rules and regulations - Filing and publication. A copy of the regulations adopted pursuant to this article, and of any amendments thereto, shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state, and in the office of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Rules and regulations may be published by the commissioner in a convenient form. The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources shall cause to be publicized, by the issuance of newspaper releases, new or amended or rescinded rules and regulations promulgated by him. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 27.) 33-5-30. Rules and regulations - Admissibility as evidence. All rules and regulations duly promulgated under the provisions of this article by the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources shall be admitted as evidence in the courts of this state when accompanied by an affidavit from the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources certifying that the rule or regulation has been lawfully adopted and promulgated and such affidavit shall be prima facie evidence of proper adoption and promulgation of the rule or regulation. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 29.) 33-5-31. Local regulation. (a) The provisions of this article and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, and other general laws of this state shall govern the operation, equipment, numbering and all other matters relating thereto whenever any vessel shall be operated on the waters of this state, or when any activity regulated by this article shall take place thereon, but nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the adoption of any ordinance or local law relating to operation of vessels the provisions of which are identical to the provisions of this article, amendments thereto or regulations issued thereunder; provided, that such ordinances or local laws shall be operative only so long as and to the extent that they continue to be identical to provisions of this article, amendments thereto or regulations issued thereunder. (b) Any subdivision of this state may, at any time, but only after public notice, make formal application to the commissioner for special rules and regulations with reference to the operation of vessels on any waters within its territorial limits and shall set forth therein the reasons which make such special rules or regulations necessary or appropriate. The public notice shall be effected by the said subdivision causing a copy of the proposed public rules or regulations to be published one time per week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the area that the subdivision is located. (c) The commissioner is hereby authorized to make special rules and regulations with reference to the operation of vessels on any waters within the territo- 16
rial limits of any subdivision of this state. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 26.) 33-5-32. Jurisdiction of offenses; disposition of fines. District courts of any county of the State of Alabama shall have and are hereby given final jurisdiction to try and convict persons, firms or corporations violating any of the provisions of this article or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, subject to any proper appeal; and they shall remit to the commissioner, on or before the tenth day of each month, all fines and forfeitures collected by them for the violation of such laws, rules and regulations, together with a statement of the name of the person, firm or corporation convicted of such violation, the time of such conviction, the amount of the fine or penalty, the date of the remittance, and the specific charge for which the defendant was tried. (Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, 30.) 33-5-33. Fees in certain prosecutions. In all misdemeanor cases for violations of the provisions of this article and regulations promulgated thereunder, and in all misdemeanor cases for violation of future laws, the enforcement of which is assigned to the Marine Police Division of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, cognizable in district courts or circuit courts, where the defendant pleads guilty and no appeal is taken, no fee shall be taxed or collected in said court for trial tax, district attorney s fee or entering judgment in such cases. (Acts 1967, No. 288, p. 817, 1.) 33-5-34. Fees of arresting officer. When an arrest for violation of the provisions of this article or regulations promulgated thereunder is made by a salaried officer not employed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the defendant is convicted, there shall be taxed as cost the same fee as a sheriff in this state is entitled to for similar services and if collected from the defendant it shall be immediately remitted by the trial court directly to the treasurer of the county in which the offense occurred. When an arrest for violation of the provisions of this article or regulations promulgated thereunder is made by a salaried officer of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the defendant is convicted, there shall be taxed as cost the same fee as sheriff in this state is entitled to for similar services and if collected from the defendant it shall be immediately remitted by the trial court directly to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which fee shall be deposited to the credit of the Water Safety Fund. If the officer making the arrest be a nonsalaried officer and if said fee is collected from the defendant, said nonsalaried officer shall be entitled to said fee; provided, that no person shall be entitled to receive an informer s fee; and, further provided, that no fee shall be allowed in cases of acquittal. In the event the arrest is made 17